26Summer Special From Struggles to Success: Executive Function Assessment, Planning, and Interventions for Success in School

Course overview

Current research is increasingly pointing to Executive Functions as a key to success in learning and life. The development of these skills, including emotional control, impulse control, organization, and planning and time management, has been shown to be a greater indicator of long-term academic and professional success than IQ, socioeconomic background or grades, and many are hailing it as the new IQ score in its ability to assess a child's ability levels. However, changes in educational and familial structures are providing less time for children to develop these skills naturally, and children who have differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, ODD, Autism and dyspraxia are at an even greater risk for delays in areas necessary for successful, independent living skills. This comprehensive and incredibly practical two-day course takes a deep-dive into executive functions and how to best support growth and development. DAY ONE will cover EF from a neurodevelopmental perspective, including what a typical developmental profile looks like, who is at greatest risk and factors impacting development. Additionally, assessment and goal writing will take attendees from overview into practical first steps for helping students. DAY TWO is a fast-paced, action-packed day of intervention strategies to support growth in self-regulation, flexible thinking, organization, time management, self-advocacy, and classroom survival. Using examples from real students and therapists, an emphasis on thorough understanding and pragmatic, down-to-earth strategies, this course is sure to transform the way therapists, teachers and parents see and work with their children and teens.